According to CAQM, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 278 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday invoked restrictions under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) after air quality dipped to “poor to very poor level” due to dust storm.
According to CAQM, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 278 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
“Owing to strong and variable surface winds, expected improvement in AQI was not observed and AQI of Delhi was recorded marginally lower at 278 on 16.05.2025. The forecast by IMD/ IITM has also predicted the AQI to be in lower range of “Poor Category” on 17.05.2025. The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect,” the agency said in the statement.
Earlier today, Delhi-NCR witnessed light showers, bringing mush-needed relief from scorching heat. Several places in Delhi including Dhaula Kuan, India Gate, parts of South Delhi, Defence Colony, NDMC regions witnessed isolated spells of rainfall.
The national capital today woke up to bad-quality air on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 300 mark in several areas. Notably, the national capital faced a surge in pollutant levels on Thursday too, with AQI crossing the 300 mark after a severe dust storm, which also affected visibility.
Why Thick Blanket Of Dust Engulfed Delhi-NCR?
The dust storms in Delhi-NCR were triggered by gusty winds sweeping at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD said a high north-south pressure gradient over northwest India caused strong dust-raising surface winds gusting up to 30-40 kmph that sped through Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and north Rajasthan May 14 night to next morning.
Restrictions Under GRAP-1
The Stage I of GRAP focuses on controlling pollution through dust mitigation at construction sites, proper waste management, and regular road cleaning.
– Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous waste from dedicated dump sites and that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
– Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for using anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.
– Intensify anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, and dust suppression measures in road construction, widening, and repair projects and maintenance activities.
– Strict vigilance will ensure no burning incidents occur at landfill sites/ dumpsites.